GPS Problems on Nexus 7 (2013)

[FitzAusTex]

Using MapFactor's GPS Navigation app that allows you to see how many satellites you're locked onto, my N7 bounces from 2 to 14 to 10 to 0 to 7, etc., in rapid succession.

On my Galaxy Nexus, and Sero 7 Pro, once locked, the number of satellites stays stable as displayed by the MapFactor app.

Obviously something very flaky is going on with GPS on the N7.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[docpark]

Same problem -using Golfshot GPS with internet via bluetooth connection to iPhone hotspot, no satellite lock. Figured it was a software issue because it works for a while after turning GPS on and off.

 

[Diknak]

Official Google Response:

https://productforums.google.com/d/msg/mobile/prfUDZA7M2s/AS_TFzOMpfwJ

OK everyone, thanks for confirming my questions from a couple of pages ago, as well as the info that disabling Google Play Services seems to be a workaround. My Android engineering colleagues are investigating this issue.

By the way, in case you're not aware several components of Android use Google Play Services so disabling that can have some unintended consequences on the functionality/performance of your device. For example the Hangouts app won't work without enabling Google Play services.

 

[markdek]

I've done a bit of test, called Google Play device support (they had me clear some cache's...like Framework), did more testing and now things "seem" to be working for now....still working on multi app and long-term testing...will let you know.

I doubt it's a hardware issue as I can get it to work "most" times. And I really don't want to return this unit...it's perfect otherwise (after returning a 1st bad unit to Bestbuy...it was really bad).

UPDATE: It's not working, loaded a "single" gps app (Navigator), got in the car, drove around, and the gps dropped out, and would absolutely not reconnect. This is not good. And for now, I'm done investigating because I think there's nothing to be done on our end. I reported this to Google Play customer service....you should too.

 

[Thomas Truong]

When you replaced it, did you still have the same issue.

Is this a random thing, or are ALL devices having this problem.

 

[viccoh]

Started having GPS issues with 4.3 update on all my devices (Original Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 2013), have tried factory reset, toggling access location switch on & off, clearing cache and disabling Google play, none worked. Google play support also told me no one else had reported this issue, their only suggestion was a factory reset. The only thing that I found that works is to disable location access, power device off, wait then power on, enable location access then initiate app that uses the GPS and it will work as long as the app is running. If you turn the app off and then try to run it again it will not work. You will have to go through the whole disable location and power up process again. FYI the GPS/Nav app I am using is Waze. I also returned my Nexus 7 2013 to Best Buy will wait for this issue to be resolved before repurchasing... Victor

 

[Ozy311]

Post here as well. Google reps are looking at this one. Google Groups

 

[FitzAusTex]

Ok, so I took the suggestion of installing GPS Test from Play and hitting settings and the Clear APGS button at the top. My GPS is taking longer to lock (up to 30 seconds) but seems to be functioning way more normally. I'll keep an eye on it over the next few days. Oh, and Update APGS caused it to break again, so did a Clear APGS and rebooted, and back to good.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[TraderGary]

I also installed the app "GPS Test" from Google Play. I then went to settings and pressed "Clear AGPS".

My GPS has functioned normally all day without a single drop.

I have to agree with the person who thinks that the original install image had a corrupt AGPS and clearing it solves the problem.

Sent from my Nexus 7 (2013)

 

[Diknak]

clearing cache and restarting works, but it is a temporary fix that will cause it to drop again after about 45 min of use.

The only fix that I have seen to be permanent is to disable Google Play Services, but that is a vital part of the OS, so it isn't viable long term. Between work and home, It would get 2 drops (restart between them) and with Play Services disabled, I get no drops the entire way.

This does, however, confirm that this is a software issue so a fix should be able to be pushed to us soon.

 

[rxnelson]

Are you guys sure these fixes are working? Mine will work again after a reboot if I do nothing but eventually craps out over time or switching GPS apps.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 4

 

[Diknak]

Yes, restarting is a temporary fix to get it working.

As I said, the only permanent fix is to disable Google Play Services because it appears that the problem stems from interference from that app. But you are crippling your tablet in other ways by doing that, so it isn't really a solution. The solution needs to come from an update to Google Play Services.

 

[turninonone]

I've tried disabling Google Play Services but it doesn't work for me. Drove 100Km and powered off/on the device at least 8-10 times. I launch Sygic as soon as it powers up and do not change to any other app. I was going to an unfamiliar place, thankfully my 3 year old iPhone 4 got me there just fine. I am confident Google will address this issue, but I don't understand why we tolerate this stuff. 4th major OS version on a second gen device. Just typing and editing this message on the device is frustrating. I spent 10 seconds trying to position the cursor and then 20 seconds watching move the cursor to all over the place as it caught up with my input. Ok, now I'm just venting.

I called Google Play support number in Canada. He said he hadn't heard of the issue. Please Please call them. Also, call ASUS as they warrant the device.

If they can provide stable navigation I'll be quite happy with my device. Of course I won't leave home without my Magellan for a while again (like I did today).

Greg

 

[Diknak]

what keyboard are you using that is being erratic like that?

 

[sfhub]

what keyboard are you using that is being erotic like that?

Never heard of erotic keyboards.

 

[Diknak]

haha, that was supposed to be erratic. Damn, spellcheck got me

 

[markdek]

Thanks Diknak, this fix is the only thing that has finally worked for me.

1 disable Google Play services (after deleting the cache and data)
2 just for good measure, delete/reset the gps A-gps data, using one of your gps apps
3 reboot
Then, have fun. Mine worked on the road/car, with multiple maps open. I even forced it to loose the signal, and it reconnected................IT NEVER DID THIS BEFORE. Reconnection was key for me to find a temporary solution. Therefore, it certainly appears to be a software bug, and if it's not in Google Play services, it's something related.

This does not mean I'm going to keep this until beyond my "return" date, as if depends on Google's ability to fix this before then.

FYI, this is also the "temporary" fix that Paul Wilcox (of Google), suggested works:

"OK everyone, thanks for confirming my questions from a couple of pages ago, as well as the info that disabling Google Play Services seems to be a workaround. My Android engineering colleagues are investigating this issue.

By the way, in case you're not aware several components of Android use Google Play Services so disabling that can have some unintended consequences on the functionality/performance of your device. For example the Hangouts app won't work without enabling Google Play services."

This is from: Google Groups, Google Groups

 

[markdek]

Everyone........................Guess what, I got the Google Play Services 3.2.25 update naturally/auto today....no apk upload (although, you can install it manually).

AND, I think it has fixed my gps lock problems and my people services syn (which i had disabled because it wasn't syncing)....

This could be good news. Doing testing now, and I think we have a fix in place. Others that have 3.2.25 are saying the same thing.

 

[Diknak]

If you didn't get it automatically, you can google search for it and it will take you to the play store. If you search within the play store itself, it won't appear.

I just did that and I will be testing it today as well!

 

[FitzAusTex]

3.2.25 hasn't fixed the problem for me. Still unable to maintain a lock (still "searching for gps"), after an initial lock.

Posted via Android Central App